Choosing The Right Sink For Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a place for the whole family to gather and use together. You need to create a functional, yet inviting atmosphere for multiple purposes. If you’re looking to remodel or simply upgrade your kitchen to fit your needs, don’t forget your kitchen sink. A utility used by all ages, the sink adds an element of style and function to your kitchen.

However, with all the options available, finding the perfect kitchen sink to compliment your kitchen can be overwhelming. From vintage farmhouse sinks to classic undermount kitchen sinks, here are a few ideas to help you choose the sink right for your home.

Kitchen Sink Styles

A new style of sink can significantly change the look of your kitchen. There are four common sink styles to consider:

1. Farmhouse Sink

This style of sink is very trendy right now. The front of the sink is exposed and typically consists of a large rectangular shape. Farmhouse sinks are very deep, making it ideal for those who spend a lot of time cooking and baking. These sinks are heavy, however, so be sure your cabinetry and countertop can support it. Depending on the material used, this can add a chic vintage look to your kitchen. It’s very difficult to install this sink on your own, so call a pro to help.

2. Drop-In Sink

If you’re looking for a new sink that has an easy DIY installation, a drop-in sink might be for you. These sinks are mounted above the counter and are among the most affordable sink options. This style comes in many varieties to suit your kitchen needs.

3. Undermount Sink

An undermount sink is one of the more popular styles for a kitchen of any style, due to their range of colors and materials. These sinks are installed under your existing counter for a cleaner, sleek look. An undermount sink is also one of the easiest styles of sink to clean and is perfect for a busy family.

4. Bar Sink

A bar sink can be a great addition to any kitchen or area where you entertain. These smalls sinks are great for prep work or a quick rinse. Bar sinks are great for small countertops and come in round or square shapes.

Sink Basins

If you’re remodeling or upgrading, you should also consider how the sink’s basin will impact your kitchen’s function. Kitchen sinks tend to come in one, two and three basin varieties. However, more basins don’t mean more room to wash. A single basin sink can be the most versatile. This basin can come in variations like a small, compact drop-in sink or large farmhouse sink, perfect for large pots and pans. The most common used is the double basin sink, which can come in a variety of depths for your needs.

Triple basin sinks are less common residentially, but can be very useful for multiple purposes. The middle sink in this style tends to be more narrow than the basins on either side, making it useful for a quick rinse.

Sink Materials

When it comes to what your sink is made out of, you have plenty of choices! Depending on the style of sink, you may have a variety of color and finishing options. Here are a few popular choices:

Stainless Steel

For a timeless kitchen look, go with the ever-popular stainless steel sink. These require little care and are one of the more affordable choices. You can get stainless steel sinks in a variety of finishes, like brushed or mirror, to match the look of your kitchen.

Cast Iron

If you’re looking for an affordable and durable sink, the cast iron sink is a great choice. These sinks tend to be heavier and require more care as they can chip over time. Cast iron sinks are easy to maintain and will show less water marks than other sinks.

Acrylic

Acrylic offers the most affordability and ease when it comes to kitchen sinks. Because this material is lighter than its counterparts, it’s easier to install. However, this sink is not made to be durable, so scratches over time should be sanded out to maintain is smooth look.

Fireclay

If durability is key for your family, fireclay is a perfect choice. Many times, this material is used in farmhouse style sinks to continue the vintage look in the kitchen. These sinks are easy to maintain and are made to last, though they are typically the most expensive sink material on the market.

Add A Faucet

To complete the look of your new sink, you’ll need to install a faucet that compliments it. If you’re planning on a sink-mounted faucet, be sure your new sink has the appropriate amount of mounting holes to fit the hardware. If you don’t want to install a new faucet directly on your countertop, a wall-mounted faucet could give your kitchen a new look and save space. Make sure you have the appropriate plumbing needed before installation.

Installation

Some sinks, like a drop-in sink, are easy to install yourself. But farmhouse and undermount sink styles should be installed by a pro. Due to their weight, installing these sinks yourself can damage your plumbing, cabinets or countertops. A pro will be able to properly install your new sink without damaging your existing surfaces. The average cost to install a sink is $509. Faucets are sometimes an additional expense, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

Conclusion

A new kitchen sink can transform the way your kitchen looks and functions. Imagine what a larger kitchen sink can do for your dishwashing or how a smaller bar sink can be convenient for small needs. With many sink options, you can truly customize it for your needs and style.